[Quo Fan]

I have decided to re-build my SS using a different frame. I got a Zion 853 from MMcG with a Ringle headset, so I'm building it around that frame.

I'm putting disc brakes on this one, using Magura Louise brakes I had lying around.

A Manitou Black Elite that came from my Cake is going on the front. 120mm of travel.

Nashbar SS Disc hub for the rear, and a Formula disc hub for the front.

The stem pictured is only to hold the fork on, the stem I'm going to use is coming from my old SS. I haven't decided if I'm going to buy new cranks, or use the old ones.

I've ordered black Alex D-17 rims to lace to the hubs. I wanted red pimpin' rims to go with the red pimpin' headset, but I couldn't find a matching set. The front hub is 32 hole, and the rear is 36 hole.

I'll keep posting as I build.

 

[BikeGeek]

Cool!
A word of advice, get rid of that crappy Nashbar cog and get yourself a thicker one like those from Endless, or Surly. Those thin cogs cut into the hub in no time.

 

[Quo Fan]

I ordered a different cog also. It came with a 16, and I prefer an 18.

 

[MMcG]

Paul - I've got a shorter stem for you too - the one from my Craftworks would work better than that long one on there now. Or I also have a matte black Weyless stem that is 80mm - let me know if you want them.

That Slamma Jamma looks hot on that black frame!!!

 

[Quo Fan]

Mark,
I'm going to try it with the stem from my Marin first, and then I'll see if I need a different stem. Like I said, that stem is only to hold the fork on until I complete the build.

 

[MMcG]

Okay - sounds like a plan.

Mark

 

[Rip]

It's going to looks nice.

 

[ATOMICFIREBALL]

Man it's lookin killer so far. Can't go wrong with a black chromoly frame!

 

[Quo Fan]

So, Brown shows up at my door today and brings me "toys". I got my old SS disassembled, and swapped some parts over.

New adapter for the fork disc mount.

Front end shots.

I'm going to use a Singulator for chain tension.

Since I changed the rear caliper, I have to bleed the brakes, but since they haven't been used in years, I was going to bleed them anyway.

The adapter says that I have to use an 180mm rotor on the front, but I'm going to play with the installation and see what I can get away with. Will keep you posted.

New rims and spokes should be arriving soon.

 

[MMcG]

I have a spare 8" rotor but it is a Hayes.

You might be able to find a gear ratio to eliminate that singleator - I was running 34:20 sans singleator and it was okay. 34:21 might have been even that much better, but you can experiment and see what might work.

Lookin good!!

 

[DiRt DeViL]

Try something like 32:18 with a half link.

 

[Quo Fan]

Brown showed up again yesterday with the parts for the wheels. I got the front one built tonight, sorry, no pics yet. I might get the rear one built by the end of the weekend. Will post pics then.

I tried to install the Shimano BB that I had, but I couldn't get the left cup to seat, so I'm going to order a crank and BB from Wheel World for $100.

 

[MMcG]

What's the latest on the Zion? Any new photos?

 

[Quo Fan]

Both wheels are built and tired, but I haven't taken any pics yet. Maybe tonight after my "high impact" workout.

 

[MMcG]

what rims did you use for the wheels?

 

[Quo Fan]

I got matching Alex D-17 rims in 32 and 36 hole configurations. I built my first 36 hole wheel, pretty much the same as a 32, just more spokes. Got them all trued and tensioned, just need some bolts and I can mount the rotors. The cranks are on their way, and I should have them by the end of the week.

 

[Quo Fan]

So far:
Looks kinda funny without pedals.

The rims.

The rubber.

 

[MMcG]

Looking good. you need some red odi locks, and a red bottlecage.

 

[Quo Fan]

Mark, you got some red Odi's to swap? Those grips are what I had on the Marin, and the cage too. Cages are pretty cheap, maybe I'll look into getting a red one.

 

[johnnyru]

Nice, nothin' like the feel of a steel frame.

 

[Quo Fan]

Yeah, that's why I spec'ed a steel frame for the SS.

 

[MMcG]

Mark, you got some red Odi's to swap? Those grips are what I had on the Marin, and the cage too. Cages are pretty cheap, maybe I'll look into getting a red one.

Nope I don't, but wish I did. MBC has them on her grips and they are pretty pimptastic.

 

[Quo Fan]

The USPS lettercarrier drops by my place, and leaves me a package. In it are some stylin' new cranks and a BB.

The frame with the BB installed.

And the crank arms and chain. I have the chain installed with out a tensioner, and it is a little loose, but I will test ride it before I put a tensioner on it.

Got the brakes bled, and now I'm just waiting for the rotor bolts to arrive at the LBS on Friday so I can ride this baby.

 

[MMcG]

Rotor bolts are holding you up - I coulda sent you some!

What gear ratio do you have on it?

If you want to test something different - I have a 19T endless kickass cog sitting around unused.

 

[TreeSaw]

Nice I like my Zion...solid frame. Is it the EBB version?

 

[MMcG]

Nice I like my Zion...solid frame. Is it the EBB version?

nope - that's my old frame that I "paid forward" to Quofan

 

[Quo Fan]

I'm picking up the bolts from the LBS tomorrow, and dropping off my Manicrap rear shok for a rebuild.

 

[MMcG]

what LBS Quo???

 

[Quo Fan]

Cheshire Cycle & Repair. They are around the corner from my office.

I'm running 32:18 for gearing. I know that works for me, what I'll be testing is if the chain needs a tensioner to keep from falling off when I hammer the pedals.

 

[reflux]

Good god that bike is hawt!

My SS will be steel, just like yours. I'm still in need of a disc brakeset, riser bar, tensioner, cog and spacers, and maybe a chain. I hope mine looks half as good as yours QF; thanks for the extra motivation to get mine built.

 

[Quo Fan]

If I had been really geeky, I would have built the wheels with black spokes with red nipples. Actually, I just thought about that. That is what I should have done. Made all the silver parts red. I still can fix that, but should I?

 

[MMcG]

Quo - how is that shop? I've heard good things about it. What brands do they carry bike-wise? Haro? Norco? What else?

Also, maybe an even chainring and odd cog combo might provide that tight chainline you'll need. I had 34:20 and the chain was a teeny bit loose, but it didn't drop without the tensioner. Maybe something like 32:19 would be a bit tighter for you allowing for no tensioner??

 

[Quo Fan]

Heading out for lunch in a couple of minutes, will report on the shop.

 

[mdc]

Surly Singlulators can be very fussy to set up correctly. If their not tight enough you'll get skipping, to tight and you can bend the spring causing more skippage. I just ordered a Rennen (SP?) tensioner for my new build, which I have heard works very well. Have you looked into a half link chain? I've seen a few people run them and they have had good luck...

 

[Quo Fan]

Cheshire Cycle carries Norco, Haro, Scott and Masi. Really small place. I'm having him rebuild my Manicrap shock for my cake.

I'll look into the half link chains. Maybe just a small section of half links for adjusting purposes.

 

[MMcG]

Good customer service Quo??

 

[Quo Fan]

Dillon seems like a cool dude. They have a group ride every Thursday night that I might join. He said the ride is a no-drop ride.

He remembered me when I walked into the shop. So far, he has been good to me, and seems to be honest with his dealings.

 

[Quo Fan]

So I got home yesterday, and installed the discs on the wheels, come to find out that the rear had no fluid in it. Re bleed and everything is hunkey-dorey. Will probably ride it around tomorrow. Pics later.

 

[MMcG]

Quo - pics now!

That should be a good LBS to frequent.

Quick question - is your chainring SS specific or is it ramped?

 

[Quo Fan]

PORN
Front, 175mm Shimano rotor

Rear, 160mm Magura rotor

Completed bike ready to rock and roll.

<edit>Ramped chainring. I didn't buy a SS specific ring. Maybe I will, but I doubt it. Ramped rings worked well in the past.